John McEnroe’s Candid Take on Air Travel, Pickleball, and His Dream Vacation

John McEnroe’s Take on Modern Air Travel and His Ideal Vacation

Tennis icon John McEnroe has seen it all, both on and off the court. But when it comes to air travel, even he’s not immune to the frustrations of modern flying. Known for his sharp wit and candid opinions, McEnroe recently shared his thoughts on airport experiences and travel in an interview with Travel + Leisure. Here’s a glimpse into his world of flying, along with his preferred travel hacks and his take on the evolving sport of pickleball.

The Evolution of Air Travel

McEnroe, who holds 77 singles titles, is no stranger to airports. However, he’s noticed a significant shift in how air travel feels these days. According to McEnroe, what was once a luxurious experience has become more of a logistical challenge. “Flying now feels like a factory,” McEnroe shared. “You’re dealing with long lines, extended wait times for bags, and the constant need to arrive much earlier than you used to.”

He explained that during his early years of flying, scoring a first-class seat was a major win. “It was amazing to get first class,” McEnroe recalled. “Now, it’s just everyone packed in there.” As a frequent traveler, McEnroe’s patience has worn thin with the added hassle of security and waiting. “Where do I start?” he joked when asked about his biggest pet peeves at the airport.

Getting to the Airport Early

As much as McEnroe has traveled, he’s found that arriving earlier is now a necessity. “I used to be able to roll up to the airport just minutes before a flight,” he said, recalling a time when he arrived just five minutes before a flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles. “That’s when I felt lucky—my name helped there.”

Now, McEnroe makes sure to arrive an hour to an hour and a half before his flights. Even with TSA PreCheck, which used to offer a smoother experience, McEnroe finds that the lines are growing. “TSA PreCheck isn’t helping as much anymore,” he explained, noting that even Clear, another expedited service, has long lines. “Sometimes I just go for the regular line instead,” he said with a laugh.

Traveling Light and Avoiding Checked Bags

To save time and avoid the headache of waiting for checked luggage, McEnroe minimizes the amount he brings on trips. “I try not to travel with a suitcase if I don’t have to,” he shared. However, there are a few essentials he’ll never check. “I always bring my rackets. You can always buy more clothes,” he said, underscoring the importance of carrying the things that matter most.

The Bahamas: A Perfect Getaway

Despite the hassles of flying, McEnroe makes time for leisure, especially when it comes to the Bahamas. He has recently expanded his tennis legacy by opening the John McEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar. Located in the Bahamas, this facility features eight courts surrounded by picturesque palm trees. For McEnroe, the Bahamas is the ideal spot to unwind, especially considering its proximity to his home in New York.

“The Bahamas is close to where I live. It’s a great opportunity to come down, relax—though I don’t do that often—and bring some of my kids. I have a grandkid now,” McEnroe said. He views this new project as an exciting venture, but also as an opportunity to spend more time in one of his favorite places. “I envision this as something selfishly fun for me,” he added, referencing the luxury tennis facilities and the chance to relax by the beach.

Pickleball: McEnroe’s Take

Despite the popularity of pickleball, McEnroe remains skeptical about the sport. While the John McEnroe Tennis Center at Baha Mar boasts six pickleball courts, McEnroe himself isn’t a huge fan. “I’m not a big fan of pickleball,” he admitted. “It doesn’t give you the same workout you get from tennis, but that’s why people are doing it.” He jokingly added, “Now doctors, of course, love it. Everyone’s getting hurt… The American Medical Association loves pickleball.”

Golf and the U.S. Open

While tennis is McEnroe’s primary focus, he’s recently added a new passion: golf. He was invited to play at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, which he described as “the Wimbledon of golf.” McEnroe’s love for golf has only deepened, and he now considers it one of his ideal vacation activities.

His favorite tennis events, however, remain the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. “The U.S. Open is my favorite,” McEnroe shared, “but Wimbledon is special too.” Both tournaments hold a unique place in his heart, as they combine his love for tennis with unforgettable experiences.

McEnroe’s Ideal Vacation

When asked about his ideal vacation, McEnroe’s answer was simple yet refreshing. “I love the beach. There’s nothing like salt water,” he said. His perfect getaway includes a round of golf, access to a gym or tennis facility, and, of course, time at the beach. For McEnroe, these elements are essential to a balanced and rejuvenating break.

In summary, John McEnroe’s reflections on air travel, tennis, and vacationing provide insight into the life of a modern tennis legend. While airport experiences may have become more frustrating, McEnroe still finds time to enjoy the things that matter most—family, tennis, and a well-deserved getaway by the ocean.